LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The city cut the grand opening ribbon Thursday on 12 acres of open space right in the heart of downtown.

The new Grand Park sits in the shadow of City Hall and is partially wedged between the county administration building and the courthouse. The 12-acre park stretches from Grand Avenue on the west to Spring Street on the east.

The first half of the park opens this weekend, and two lower sections of the park, including the huge event lawn across from City Hall, open in the fall.

The park features a new renovated fountain with a light show, a splash pool for kids, bright pink tables, small gardens, palm trees and a performance lawn with a stage. And what’s an LA landmark without a Starbucks?

“I’m excited. I can’t wait to come and visit the park,” a man on his way to work told KNX 1070’s Jon Baird.

A public inaugural event will be held Saturday, in conjunction with National Dance Day, when park visitors will be invited to join a free, interactive dance with one of the stars from “So You Think You Can Dance.”